Three Against Three: Chaos in New York
Arc Four: Big Apple Troubles and Miami Blues
Part 3: Checking in to the Plaza
Cab Ride-Brooklyn Bridge
December 21, 1991-5:40 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
Kevin, Linnie, and I are awestruck, seeing the famous buildings and landmarks of New York City, in person, as the cab I hailed back at the airport drives across the Brooklyn Bridge. The trip feels like it's taking forever, with traffic being so sluggish. It's even slower than Chicago traffic. Judging the current position of the sun, it'll be getting dark soon.
"Christine, can Linnie and I take some pictures of all the buildings with Dad's camera?" Kevin asks, looking at me. The three of us are squished together in the backseat of the Taxi, which is surprisingly clean.
I just smile. "How about we explore the city tomorrow, and we can take pictures then, OK?"
"That sounds awesome!" Kevin replies, hearing the excitement in his voice. Linnie nods in agreement.
"Is this yawls' first time visiting New York?" the female cab driver asks.
I reply, "It is," I still feel guilty, thinking how much Mom must miss the three of us, the pain she's suffering right now, and not knowing if we're OK, or not.
"Well, here's some advice: First, the best time to explore the city is during the day, preferably in the mid mornings and early afternoons. Second, try to avoid Central Park at nighttime, especially anywhere near 95th street and above. Lastly, if you have to be out at nighttime, just take extra precautions, like carrying a can of pepper spray, for example. Nighttime muggings have been on the rise, lately…" the cab driver explains.
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind," I reply. My siblings and I spend the rest of the cab ride trying to take in the wonderful scenery of New York City…
The Plaza Hotel-Lobby
December 21, 1991-6:30 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
"Well, here we are, you three, the Plaza Hotel," The cab driver smiles. "I hope your stay in New York City is a good one. Remember what I told y'all, when you're out exploring the city."
"Thank you, and we will," I smile, while paying her the fare I owe out of my own money, before my siblings and I exit the Taxi. She salutes us, before driving off. The three of us then head for the Plaza. My jaw drops, when I lay eyes on the Plaza Hotel. "Oh my god." The building resembles a royal palace, in all its majestic beauty. My siblings are too awestruck to say anything.
"It's even better up close than on TV," Kevin says.
"Well, that's enough staring, you two. Let's check in. I'm starting to get cold," I nudge my two siblings to move.
"Welcome to the Plaza Hotel," speaks the tall door attendant, as he holds open the door for us.
"Thank you, kind sir," I formally reply, as the three of us make our way inside. There's more jaw-dropping from the three of us, as we're taken aback by how beautiful the inside looks. "It's like a fairytale that's came to life," Linnie speaks. Kevin and I nod in agreement. I'm beginning to wonder if the accommodations Mom and Dad picked out for Miami look anything like this. I lead my two siblings to the front desk, to check in. I gently tap the bell on the desk.
"How may I be of assistance to you today?" the woman operating the front desk looks up and replies, in a formal tone. Her red hair reminds me of Mom. Her face and expression match the name on her tag, Ms. Amelia Stone.
"I have a hotel reservation for myself and my two young siblings here," They both smile at the hotel clerk, who gives a brief smile in return. "It's under the name 'Christine McCallister'." I formally reply.
"Let me check that for you real quickly," Ms. Stone replies, quickly typing on the computer. "Ah, yes. I see it now. You have the reservation for a deluxe suite."
I nod. "That's correct,"
"It says here you'll be using a major credit card, Mrs. McCallister. Is that correct?" she asks.
I quickly correct her, "That's 'Ms. McCallister', and here's the card I'll be paying with today, plus my identification card," I reply, removing Dad's credit card and my ID from my purse. I present it to the clerk.
"I'm sorry, it's just that beautiful ring on your finger made me think you were married," she comments.
"It's OK. My Mother thought my boyfriend popped the question, when I showed her the ring, for the first time," I smile.
"This credit card you gave me, doesn't match up with the name on the ID? Well, the first name, anyway," Ms. Stone questions, looking somewhat suspicious. Maybe it's my imagination, but I swear, from the corner of my eye, I see a male hotel clerk, who looks like the actor, who played Rooster in the movie, Little Orphan Annie, suddenly start watching us.
"I can clear up that easily. That's my Father's credit card, but he authorized it through the credit card company that I can use it for anything I might need. My Father agreed to let me use the card, if I agreed to take my two young siblings here to New York for Christmas, since he was unable to. He and my Mother are currently busy with business matters down in Florida, at the moment,"
Ms. Stone just nods. "I understand now. Just sign these forms here, and we'll be all finished," Having these glasses, makes it a lot easier to read through and sign these forms. Kevin looks in awe at Ms. Stone swiping Dad's card on the manual credit card imprinter, as if he's never seen a credit card being used before.
"Bellhop, up front please," she speaks, loudly tapping the bell.
"Here's your room key, Ms. McCallister. I hope you and your siblings enjoy your stay," Ms. Stone smiles, as I hand her back the forms I signed. She hands me back Dad's credit card and my ID that I quickly put away in my purse.
"Thank you," I smile back, taking the key from Ms. Stone.
"You need something, Ms. Stone?" the bellhop asks, before he falls flat on his face, from running so fast.
Ms. Stone just sighs in annoyance, while I grip Kevin and Linnie's shoulders, to keep them from laughing at the poor man. The bellhop, for some reason, reminds me of my boyfriend, William, who I miss dearly. I wish he was here right now.
"Yes. Once you get back onto both feet, Cedric, I need you to escort Ms. McCallister and her siblings to Room 1605," she explains. "And, Cedric, do consider looking into buying a pair of shoes that you don't have to tie."
"Yes, Ma'am," Cedric replies to Ms. Stone, getting back onto his feet and brushing himself off. He turns his attention to us and smiles. "I'll be happy to carry your things, while escorting you three up to your hotel room." He motions for us to follow him.
We walk toward the elevator. My siblings are trying to take in the surroundings of the interior of the hotel, while Cedric is carrying our backpacks. I notice that same clerk from earlier is still watching us, creeping me out.
'I wonder what his problem is…' I wonder. "Cedric, who's that man working at the desk with mail slots behind it?" I quietly ask, while waiting for the elevator.
"Oh, that's Mr. Hector, the hotel Concierge. He's the person you go to, if you need assistance with anything. He can be a grouch, too, sometimes; especially when you have to work with him," Cedric explains, whispering, afraid someone will overhear. I just nod, before all four of us step inside the elevator…
The Plaza Hotel-16thFloor
December 21, 1991-6:40 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
My mind spends the entire elevator ride focusing on why Mr. Hector was staring at us. The bell dinging jolts me out of my thoughts, as the elevator doors slide open. The display that shows the floor number says we're on the 16th floor.
"If you follow me, I'll take you to your room. This way please," Cedric motions, as the three of us follow him out of the elevator.
During a chat Cedric is having with Kevin, Cedric makes an interesting tidbit that Herbert Hoover stayed in the room we'll be staying in for our vacation. He begins unlocking the door to the aforementioned room.
"The vacuum cleaner guy?" Kevin asks Cedric, causing me to snicker, and Linnie to roll her eyes.
"He means the President Hoover, Kevin," Linnie chimes in.
"Oh," Kevin nods. I have a feeling Linnie is going to give Kevin a lesson on every U.S. President tonight, including our current President, George H.W. Bush.
"Let me show you three around the room you'll be staying in," Cedric says, opening the door. We follow him inside.
'Holy shit!' I think to myself. 'When they say 'deluxe suite', they mean 'deluxe suite','
It's almost like being in a much smaller version of Mom and Dad's house, back in Chicago, from the same décor, to the same furniture. Cedric shows us around the three rooms that make up the suite. It has a sitting area, a bedroom, and a bath. It also has a covered veranda that overlooks Central Park.
Decked out in red and green sheets, pillows, and blankets, the bed is large enough to fit all three of us. Linnie is eagerly examining the bookshelf in the sitting area. Kevin is inspecting inside the cabinet, where they keep food stocked in the bedroom. I have a feeling eating that food will cost extra per item, and will not be cheap. I'm just so overwhelmed about how much it resembles home.
Cedric speaks, "Is the room OK, Ms. McCallister? Do you need me to change the temperature, or give any assistance on showing how the TV works?"
I smile. "Everything's perfect, Cedric. I know how the TV works. My parents have one just like it back at home,"
Cedric nods. "Alright. I just want to let you know, I placed your bags on the couch. If you or your siblings get hungry, the kitchen is open twenty-four hours a day. Just call room service on the phone located on the table next to the bed. There's also a red book next to the phone that has information on what services and leisure activities the hotel provides. It also provides information about places to shop, dine, and visit in Manhattan,"
I smile. "Thank you, Cedric,"
Cedric nods. "You're welcome. If there isn't anything else, then I shall be going," he speaks, handing me the key to the hotel room. I place it in my pants pocket.
"There's one another thing I'd like to say…" I start to say, feeling embarrassed.
"Yes, Ms. McCallister?" Cedric replies, curiously.
"You remind me a lot of my boyfriend from back home. I don't know why, but you just do," I say, blushing.
"I've never heard that one before, but just to make it clear, I'm already taken and happily married, if that was your intention, Ma'am," Cedric replies.
"That wasn't my intention, at all. I love my boyfriend too much to leave him, nor would I ever consider the idea about cheating on him. Would you like to see a picture of my boyfriend?" I ask, blushing and feeling embarrassed that I gave off the wrong impression to Cedric that I liked him in the same way I like William. To be honest, if the circumstances were different, I can see myself possibly dating Cedric. He's kind of cute and has a lovable personality.
"I'm glad to hear that. I would love to see a picture of your boyfriend," Cedric replies.
Quickly grabbing my wallet out my purse, I show Cedric a picture of William and myself that was taken by Mom last Summer at the 4th of July family cookout. It included celebrating Megan and Linnie's Birthday.
"You know, your boyfriend looks a lot like my paternal first cousin, William…" I gasp. "What's with the gasp?" Cedric asks me, startled.
"That's my boyfriend's name," I reply.
"OK, 'William' is a common name, sure. I'm also sure your boyfriend hates animals, and doesn't live in a boring town like Rock Creek, like my cousin does," I stare at Cedric, oddly. "OK, that look you're now giving me, is creeping me out. What did I say now?" he asks.
"It's just that my boyfriend happens to be from a town, called Rock Creek, Illinois. He does loves animals, since he works as a vet at his Father's office. But, your cousin and my boyfriend could still be two different people, unless your cousin's last name happens to be 'Glade'?" I smirk.
"Holy shit! That's my cousin, alright! He's more like the big brother I never had. So, you're dating my cousin, Will. Wow, I never expected to meet his girlfriend under these circumstances. I'm just happy William was able to prove the extended family wrong, and he did find his special someone; especially that someone being as good-looking as you," I blush, hearing that. "Ah, shit… I'd better go. I'm already in trouble with Mr. Hector, as it is. I hope you have a pleasant evening, Ms. McCallister." Cedric states after checking his watch, as he prepares to leave.
"Hey, Cedric. Don't you want a tip for helping us?" I ask, holding up a fifty-dollar bill.
"No, you keep that. Finding out that you made my cousin happy, is tip enough for me; especially after the negative put-downs he got from the extended family over his nonexistent love life. My Mom, which is William's Dad's sister, and I were the only ones, who really supported him," Cedric smiles. "Oh, there's one other thing. Please don't mention that I swore, especially in front of young children. My bosses won't be happy, if they found out I did." He shudders.
"Our lips are sealed. Feel free to call us by our first names, if you'd like. I'm Christine. This is my brother, Kevin, and my sister, Melinda, but she prefers to be called 'Linnie',"
"I sure will. I hope you three have a nice evening. It was nice meeting you three," Cedric replies, as he leaves.
"We will. Nice meeting you, too, Cedric. Thanks for your help," I wave to him.
He just nods, before closing the door, which I lock. I lean up against the door, still feeling the shock about meeting one of William's relatives out of nowhere. It explains about earlier, and why Will never talked much about his extended family. Only about his parents and sisters.
"OK, Christine, spill. Is that bellhop really William's cousin? Are you going to dump William for him?" Linnie wants to know.
"If you two are going to gossip, I'm going to watch TV," Kevin says, grabbing a snack out of the cabinet and hopping onto the bed.
I explain to Linnie about everything that happened with Cedric, and that I wasn't dumping William, to Linnie's relief. I order the three of us some roast beef, potatoes, and peas for our dinner, through room service. I also lock the cabinet that stores all the snack items, to Kevin's frustration. I make it clear to both Kevin and Linnie that they can only have two items a day, to avoid spoiling their meals and to keep costs down…
The Plaza Hotel-Room 1605
December 21, 1991-9:50 P.M.
(Christine's PoV:)
In my robe, I'm glancing out the window at the New York skyline. It looks so beautiful at night, all lit up. The Empire State Building and the World Trade Center are especially beautiful, with their colored Christmas lighting.
I turn my focus onto my siblings. Kevin is watching TV, and Linnie has her nose buried in a book she picked from the bookcase in the study. "Alright, Kevin, Linnie, it's time for you two to get ready for bed. It's been a long day, and we're going to need our sleep, if we're planning to see New York tomorrow," I tell them. I'm still sore at Kevin for carelessly entering the bathroom without knocking, while I was coming out of the shower. It was discomforting, having your brother see you in your Birthday suit.
"I want to finish reading My Visit to Walton's Mountain by A. J Covington, if it's no problem, Christine?" Linnie asks.
"You can finish it tomorrow, Linnie," I say to Linnie, before turning to Kevin, "Kevin, turn that TV off now!" I say, a little harshly.
"Don't be such a crab, Christine. I said I was sorry about seeing you nude," Kevin replies, climbing into bed.
"Can you tuck us in, Christine?" Linnie asks, putting away the book she was reading. She then climbs into bed.
I smile. "Aren't you a little old to be tucked in, Linnie?"
"I feel empty, not having Megan closeby, and it scares me," Linnie admits.
"Don't worry, Linnie. It's going to be OK," I assure her.
"Could you sleep in the middle, Christine? Linnie and I would feel safer, if you did," Kevin asks.
"Alright," I reply, as I join my two siblings in bed.
"What do you have there, Christine?" Linnie asks.
"It's just Dad's address book I found in his bag. I thought I'd look through it, to see if he maybe left any clues about what hotel the family is staying at in Miami. Even if he did, we're still going to see New York, since we're stuck. I know Mom and Dad won't like it, but it's the truth," I flip through the book.
"Hey, Uncle Rob lives here. Maybe we can visit," Kevin points out.
Robert and Georgette McCallister
41 E. 68thStreet
New York, NY
(212) 2xx-8xxx
"I haven't seen Uncle Rob and Aunt Georgette in years. It would be nice to see them again," I chime in. 'Maybe they can help us reach Mom and Dad?' I think to myself.
"Um, sorry to burst your bubble, but Uncle Rob and Aunt Georgette are still in Paris," Linnie chimes in.
"That's right. Mom mentioned that to me, when I first arrived," I continue flipping through the book, when a picture falls out. Tears well up in my eyes, when I look at the picture. It's a family picture taken the day Kevin was brought home from the hospital. Mom is holding Kevin, smiling. I'm standing in between Mom and Dad. The rest of the siblings stand in front of us.
"What are you crying for, Christine?" both of my siblings ask.
"This is the reason," I show them the family picture.
"When was it taken?" Kevin and Linnie ask. Linnie was too young to remember.
"The day Mom brought you home from the hospital, Kevin. I was in the delivery room, holding Mom's hand, when she gave birth to you," I smile, pushing away the bad memories that resurface, about running away from home.
"Really?" Kevin asks.
I smile. "Yep, and you stole my heart that day, little man," I ruffle Kevin's hair, causing him to giggle. I remove my glasses. "I think it's time we all went to sleep. Night, Kevin. Night, Linnie. I love you both." I kiss them both on the forehead, as I put my glasses on the nightstand and flick off the lamp.
"Night, Christine. We love you, too," they reply, in unison. We all then drift off to sleep, thinking about our loved ones in Miami…
END